Sports XChange - Falcons Report

[The Falcon Jedi]

Falcons report: Strategy and personnel
The Sports Xchange
Sep. 17, 2010

Strategy and personnel · Notes, quotes · Inside slant


Running back Jerious Norwood is the team's third-down back.

But he dropped two passes on third down against the Steelers. If you are the third down back, it's reasonable to conclude that you should make catches on third down.

Norwood has been in and out of the lineup with a hip flexor injury and may have been just a bit rusty.

In order to retain his role, he needs to make those catches and use his speed in the open field.

PLAYER NOTES

--WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder) did not play in the season opener and has been ruled out for Sunday.

--WR Roddy White, after having 23 passes thrown his way, may be shadowed by Arizona cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. "That would be great," White said. "I will be up for the challenge. I will be rested and ready."

--DT Corey Peters, the rookie third-round pick from Kentucky, played 25 snaps against the Steelers. He was on the field in the fourth quarter, too. With the return of Jonathan Babineaux, Peters' snaps will likely decrease against Arizona.

--C Todd McClure said the team was close to busting a few big runs against the Steelers, who held them to 58 yards rushing on 25 carries.

--RB Jerious Norwood averaged 21 yards on three kickoff returns against the Steelers.

--TE Tony Gonzalez became the first tight end in the 91-year history of the NFL to catch 1,000 passes. Gonzalez is the seventh player in league history with 1,000 catches.

--QB Matt Ryan completed 27 of 44 passes for 252 yards, including a 23-yard long to WR Harry Douglas.

--RB Michael Turner rushed for 42 yards on 19 carries in the season opener.

GAME PLAN
The Falcons continue to struggle to run the ball against 3-4 defenses. The Cardinals held Turner to 60 yards in the wild-card playoff game after the 2008 season.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Cardinals LB Joey Porter, who played for Miami last season, vs. Falcons LT Sam Baker, who had two holding penalties last week while going against James Harrison -- Baker held his own against Harrison and faced Porter some last season when the Falcons played the Dolphins.

Cardinals SS Adrian Wilson, the NFC's defensive player of the week, vs. Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who surpassed the 1,000 career catch mark last week -- Wilson had a sack, two interceptions and a blocked kick last week. Gonzalez only had five passes thrown his way. Look for the Falcons to force the issue with Gonzalez.

Cardinals RB Tim Hightower, who had two fumbles last week, vs. Falcons MLB Curtis Lofton, who lead the team with 11 tackles last season and had one sack and one quarterback hurry -- Look for Lofton to try to pound on Hightower with the hope of shaking the ball loose. The Falcons did not force any fumbles last week.

INJURY IMPACT
WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder) is out against Arizona. The Falcons will start Harry Douglas in his place.

--SS Erik Coleman (knee) did not practice, but is considered questionable for Sunday.



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[falcon057]

(09-18-2010 07:54 AM)The Falcon Jedi Wrote:  Falcons report: Strategy and personnel
The Sports Xchange
Sep. 17, 2010

Strategy and personnel · Notes, quotes · Inside slant


Running back Jerious Norwood is the team's third-down back.

But he dropped two passes on third down against the Steelers. If you are the third down back, it's reasonable to conclude that you should make catches on third down.

Norwood has been in and out of the lineup with a hip flexor injury and may have been just a bit rusty.

In order to retain his role, he needs to make those catches and use his speed in the open field.

PLAYER NOTES

--WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder) did not play in the season opener and has been ruled out for Sunday.

--WR Roddy White, after having 23 passes thrown his way, may be shadowed by Arizona cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie. "That would be great," White said. "I will be up for the challenge. I will be rested and ready."

--DT Corey Peters, the rookie third-round pick from Kentucky, played 25 snaps against the Steelers. He was on the field in the fourth quarter, too. With the return of Jonathan Babineaux, Peters' snaps will likely decrease against Arizona.

--C Todd McClure said the team was close to busting a few big runs against the Steelers, who held them to 58 yards rushing on 25 carries.

--RB Jerious Norwood averaged 21 yards on three kickoff returns against the Steelers.

--TE Tony Gonzalez became the first tight end in the 91-year history of the NFL to catch 1,000 passes. Gonzalez is the seventh player in league history with 1,000 catches.

--QB Matt Ryan completed 27 of 44 passes for 252 yards, including a 23-yard long to WR Harry Douglas.

--RB Michael Turner rushed for 42 yards on 19 carries in the season opener.

GAME PLAN
The Falcons continue to struggle to run the ball against 3-4 defenses. The Cardinals held Turner to 60 yards in the wild-card playoff game after the 2008 season.

MATCHUPS TO WATCH
Cardinals LB Joey Porter, who played for Miami last season, vs. Falcons LT Sam Baker, who had two holding penalties last week while going against James Harrison -- Baker held his own against Harrison and faced Porter some last season when the Falcons played the Dolphins.

Cardinals SS Adrian Wilson, the NFC's defensive player of the week, vs. Falcons TE Tony Gonzalez, who surpassed the 1,000 career catch mark last week -- Wilson had a sack, two interceptions and a blocked kick last week. Gonzalez only had five passes thrown his way. Look for the Falcons to force the issue with Gonzalez.

Cardinals RB Tim Hightower, who had two fumbles last week, vs. Falcons MLB Curtis Lofton, who lead the team with 11 tackles last season and had one sack and one quarterback hurry -- Look for Lofton to try to pound on Hightower with the hope of shaking the ball loose. The Falcons did not force any fumbles last week.

INJURY IMPACT
WR Michael Jenkins (shoulder) is out against Arizona. The Falcons will start Harry Douglas in his place.

--SS Erik Coleman (knee) did not practice, but is considered questionable for Sunday.



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nice read +1

[Tandy]

Harry gets the nod over Finn? Congrats HD!

[Radical]

(09-18-2010 08:17 AM)Tandy Wrote:  Harry gets the nod over Finn? Congrats HD!

He got it against the Steelers too.